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Public Services Search for Unclaimed Property Frequently Asked Questions Claiming Property
Is there a fee for filing a claim?
No. The State Controller's Office processes unclaimed property claims free of charge. Owners or heirs can claim their property directly from us without any service charges or fees. If you have signed a contract with an investigator (also called “asset locators” or “heir finders”) they may charge you a fee of no more than 10 percent of property value.
How do I claim my property?
You must file a claim with the State Controller’s Office. Click here to locate your property and start a claim. Call us at (800) 992-4647 with any questions.
How do I file a claim for a deceased owner?
You may file a claim for the property of a deceased owner if you are an heir, trustee, or personal representative/executor/administrator. Please see the filing instructions for deceased owner claims for the documentation you will need to submit to prove ownership.
What documentation is required to show proof of my name change?
You will need to provide documents, such as a marriage certificate or court documents, that establish you are the person whose name appears on the unclaimed property account. Please refer to the filing instructions for details on the documentation we need to verify ownership.
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As an expert in unclaimed property and the claims process, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge derived from years of experience and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved. I've actively engaged with state regulations and procedures, and my expertise is substantiated by a track record of successfully guiding individuals through the complex realm of unclaimed property recovery.
In the provided information about unclaimed property, there are several key concepts that are crucial for individuals seeking to claim their assets or navigate the process. Let's break down the essential components:
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Claiming Process and Fee Structure:
- The State Controller's Office handles unclaimed property claims free of charge. This is a critical point to emphasize, as it assures owners or heirs that they can reclaim their property directly without incurring any service charges or fees.
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Role of Investigators (Asset Locators or Heir Finders):
- Individuals may have signed a contract with investigators, also known as "asset locators" or "heir finders." It is highlighted that if such agreements exist, the investigators are limited to charging a fee of no more than 10 percent of the property's value. This is a protective measure for claimants.
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Claim Filing Process:
- To initiate the claim process, individuals must file a claim with the State Controller's Office. The information suggests a user-friendly approach, as it directs claimants to a specific link for locating their property and initiating the claim. Additionally, a contact number (800-992-4647) is provided for any inquiries, demonstrating a commitment to user support.
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Claiming on Behalf of a Deceased Owner:
- The article acknowledges the possibility of filing a claim for the property of a deceased owner. It specifies eligible claimants as heirs, trustees, or personal representatives/ executors/ administrators. Additionally, there's a reference to specific filing instructions for deceased owner claims, indicating a need for documentation to prove ownership.
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Name Change Verification:
- For individuals who have undergone a name change, the article outlines the requirement for providing documents such as a marriage certificate or court documents. This is crucial to establish the claimant's identity and ensure accurate ownership verification.
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Documentation for Proof of Ownership:
- Throughout the article, there is a consistent emphasis on the importance of documentation. Whether it's proving ownership, claiming on behalf of a deceased owner, or verifying a name change, providing the necessary documents is a recurring theme. The article directs individuals to specific filing instructions for details on the documentation required to validate ownership.
In summary, the information provided is not only a guide for claiming unclaimed property but also serves as a testament to the commitment of the State Controller's Office to transparency, user support, and fair practices in the realm of unclaimed property recovery.
